9th Twinsax Gratitude Concert 2025 lights up Ile-Ife with powerful performance

The event will forever be remembered for a very long time by gospel music lovers. The pavilion of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife (OUI) was filled with over 2000 audience made of the students of OUI, alumni and many students from various schools in Osun State.

The stunning parade of talented gospel ministers mesmerized the crowd from the beginning of the concert to the end at 5 am.

The theme of Gratitude Concert 2025 which is “Light ” was enhanced by the exotic stage lighting. The night was serenaded with prayers, and worship songs that were blended with the cultural and traditional mix. What a feast of music in such a wonderful setting.

The roll call of artists who gave their best in the spiritually charged atmosphere was impressive. Collins Ambrose the soul-steering gospel singer and Worship Leader at Potter’s House, Lagos, Adebola Shammah, the indomitable music arranger and producer of RCCG Seed Church, Omole Lagos, Bamgb home Timilehin, President and Convener of Perfection Worship, Faith Elvis and Goodness Ezeh, a Songwriter and Worship Leader based in Lagos.

What started as a modest gathering on a university campus has transformed into a global wave of praise. The Gratitude Concert Series birthed in 2017 on the grounds of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, drew massive excitement and a spirit of celebration at the 9th session.

Convened by dynamic saxophone duo Twinsax, Marvelous Taiwo and Innocent Kehinde Ayodele, the concert has grown into the largest gospel concert on a Nigerian campus and now stands as a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and cultural expression.

President of Gratitude Concert 2025, David Onuche, described the Concert as ” a deeply powerful, spirit-lifting experience that not only renewed passion and love for God but also created an atmosphere of overwhelming thanksgiving, heartfelt worship and spiritual revival”

He further described the Twinsax duo as a ” remarkable blend of musical talents and spiritual devotion.

“I see the Gratitude Concert happening in many university campuses shortly’ Onuche predicted.

Another gospel minister, and another alumnus, Taiwo Oyelowo commended the efforts and determination of the Twinsax duo for making this concert held every year. Hear him:” I am happy to have come across the Twinsax duo who have a heart for God. I commend their struggle. At times when there seemed to be no finances, God always makes a way for them.”

an alumni, and a gospel minister, Goodness Eze, who had been consistently attending Gratitude Concert in the last five years described the Twinsax duo as an amazing duo who ” totally devoted themselves to the things of God with their money and time. When you serve God with your means , God will serve you with His means”

The Gratitude Concert, according to him is” timely considering the current spiritual and physical challenges in Osun State ”

Another Gospel minister, who was the Vice President of Gratitude Concert in 2022 and served under the Twinsax duo, Collins Ambrose noted that ” the students are being impacted by this yearly event.

He predicted that this platform would ignite the whole of Osun State for Jesus.” I see Gratitude Concert being held in stadiums and every available space in the State ”

An alumnus, Eniola Grace Adenekan who graduated from the University in 2024 said she had never missed this yearly event since 2021. She described the Gratitude Concert “as the tonic people needed to reconcile with God in these hard times.”

Another student, Apariola Noah, a 500Level mechanical engineering student, described the yearly concert as ” a wonderful way of engaging the minds of the students to know more of God rather than turning to cultism ‘

Speaking to journalists after the event, Twinsax described the concert as more than just a musical event, calling it their “year of fulfillment.” They noted that the 9th season was a testament to community, calling, and the continuity of the movement they started eight years ago

Since its inception, the Gratitude Concert has evolved into a cultural and spiritual phenomenon where gospel music meets youthful energy and faith finds a resounding expression through rhythm and melody.

Convened by Twinsax, identical twins whose passion for gospel music has been called both contagious and inspiring the concert series has expanded from a university-based gathering to an international celebration of praise.
Reflecting on the buildup to the event,

Twinsax said they had long envisioned expanding the Gratitude Concert to more Nigerian cities and had been confident that the energy around this year’s edition would exceed previous ones.

They noted that although the concert date was fast approaching at the time, the team, audience, and the spirit behind the movement were “beyond ready.”

From Campus Halls to Global Stages
From its beginnings at Oduduwa University, the Gratitude Concert grew into a powerful campus tradition, consistently drawing massive crowds and featuring some of the most prominent names in gospel music.

Twinsax said the concert was envisioned not only as a musical showcase but as a space of thanksgiving to God, offering a platform for music, poetry, drama, and the Word. Over the years, it won the hearts of thousands within and beyond Ile-Ife.

The Twinsax duo disclosed that international editions of the Gratitude Concert had taken place, in Cardiff in 2023 and Manchester in 2024. Twinsax explained that their sound, characterized by a distinctive blend of instrumental worship and youthful passion, resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria. They also mentioned that they were planning further expansion into Wales and the University of Abuja.

According to the duo, the UK reception surpassed all expectations, with audiences connecting not just to the music, but to the message and movement behind the Gratitude Concert. They described the experience as both humbling and affirming, saying the testimonies from attendees confirmed their calling.

Beyond their performances, Twinsax emphasized that the Gratitude Concert has become a trusted platform for emerging gospel acts, showcasing artists who speak, sing, and perform from places of deep conviction. They noted that the concert is not just about music, but about celebrating God’s love, unity, and the fulfillment found in the gospel.
Blending traditional African elements with contemporary gospel sounds, the concert also serves as a celebration of cultural heritage, a fact Twinsax said made the Gratitude experience truly unique.

Their influence has reached audiences across Nigeria including cities like Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, and Ilorin, where their blend of instrumental excellence and heartfelt worship has resonated with diverse congregations.

Asked about their broader vision, Twinsax reiterated that they see themselves not merely as entertainers but as ministers with a mission: to inspire, uplift, and unify through music.

They spoke about their conviction that gospel music carries a power far beyond words.

They also reflected on the challenges since 2017, acknowledging the hurdles of logistics, funding, and the complexities of international expansion. Nonetheless, they maintained that every obstacle had been a stepping stone, and every concert a reminder that the mission was worth pursuing.

On mentorship, Twinsax credited their roots to saxophone legends Jerry Omole and Mike Aremu as key mentors who helped shape their musical journey. They said the guidance they received went beyond technical advice, helping them refine their purpose and deepen their commitment to their calling.

They explained that their deep-rooted interest in gospel music was born from their upbringing in a Christian home, where worship and music were central. They described the saxophone as their voice and gospel music as their language.

A Celebration of Fulfilment
With the 9th edition now successfully held, Twinsax expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, fans, and believers across the world. They said the level of excitement and participation this year had been surreal, with people from across continents engaging with the concert in person and online.

Looking back at the April 25th performance, Twinsax said they were convinced that Gratitude had once again achieved its mission to uplift, unite, and point hearts back to God.

As the Gratitude Concert continues its journey from Ile-Ife to the world, Twinsax reaffirmed its message: Gratitude is not just a concert, it is a movement, and the sound of gratitude will keep echoing across Nigeria and beyond.